Arcana Levels

Arcana is a standard that describes the 'progress' of a given area by its inhabitants. A “region” may be of any size, and can be continually focused to get more specific and greater distinction between development levels in an area, or go on a greater scale, lumping in surrounding areas to their highest development level.

Level 0 - Wastes

Loosely, a development of zero describes a part of the world occupied by insects, molluscs and monsters that lack any intelligence, feeding upon one another in a biome so bleak as to defy even the occasional hunting party a reason for entry.

Level 1- True Wilderness

A development of one describes an area with no real humanoid interaction, being pristine nature at its finest. Although humanoids may enter it to hunt or forage, it is far from any settlements and is relatively untouched by any intelligent beings.

Level 2- Sapient Creatures

Wilderness with the presence of native creatures that can knowingly (to some degree) alter their environment. They are still below an average humanoid's intelligence, but enter that uncomfortable middle ground, like an early hominid would. If there are social systems, they are simple and rely mostly on physical strength, size, or beauty. There may also be very early forms of tool and possible trap use. Reliable forms of communication are not able to be established.

Level 3- Neolithic

Creatures inhabit this area that have the same mental faculties as an average human. Tool use, planning, evolving social structures, art, taboos, and the sharing of knowledge is commonplace. Philosophy, mythology, and early specialization to necessary positions such as shaman, chief, warrior, and bard are established. Industry is primarily focused on direct natural sources. Mostly nomadic, with settlements being only temporarily inhabited in areas with great surpluses.

Level 4- Tribes People

Creatures inhabit this area that love in permanent settlements, and have had time to get used to it. A proper industry of processing natural goods is established outside of important events/needs. Specialization expands, and philosophy and faith become seperate from normal life, allowing for the existence of a priestly class, and those who study, explore, and interact with the powerful forces (nature, extraplanars, etc.) for either 'secular' goals or intensely personal ones with proper preparation.

Level 5- Bronze Age

Regions with this level of advancement represent early metalworking cultures, supported by bronze-age level masonry, mining, the use of pottery to store and cook food, sailing with small boats and irrigated agriculture. Social Structures advance beyond Familial Bonds, although they retain their importance, and Towns become the norm. Early Governments come into existence and social structures and classes are made, as specialists become more prominent. Natural studies have advanced to the point, where those solely specialized in arcane magic exist.This is Ancient Egypt, Sumerian City States, and Shang/ Zhou Dynasty China.

Level 6- Iron Age

Regions with this level of development have already experienced early established settlements, cities, and governments. Here these people begin to learn such technologies as full on horseback riding, or other such cavalry, sustainable agriculture, true shipbuilding and true cities with 10,000+ people are not unheard of. Trade, a functional economy, War and other such things are well known by this point. The very beginnings of merging arcane magic with technology begins. This is the Age of Ancient Greece up to Alexander, The Mauryan Empire, and the Warring States Period.

Level 7- Classical Era

This brings sophisticated metal working and engineering, and generally fits into the aesthetic of Rome and the world at that time.

Level 8-Medieval Era

This covers the state of affairs from

Level 9- Renaissance Era

Level

Level 10- Industrial Era

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